In earlier days, remote work wasn’t considered an acceptable way to work. Many believed that working from home would be too distracting for the employee, and supervisors wouldn’t monitor staff effectively.
Telecommuting was very rare only a few years back, but when times and work environment started changing, so did the outlook for remote work.
It has evolved tremendously during the past five years. It was only considered a special arrangement to adjust to individual workers’ needs and used only on special occasions. Today, companies ask their employees to work from home due to the current global climate.
The History of Telecommuting
In the past, telecommuting was considered inefficient and problematic for many reasons. Primarily, it was considered an unprofessional and unproductive way to work.
The biggest drawback was the thought that productivity would decrease and workers could potentially waste company time. Secondly, due to no physical supervision, there was concern that workers would roam around freely and be negligent with their work.
Employers also feared that employees would stray from their assigned work duties and indulge in personal activities. It was due to the notion that when telecommuting, the employee would have more distractions that would affect working.
The New Era of Telecommuting
Today’s rapid growth of remote working has gained popularity because it reduces workers’ stress compared to working in a more challenging work environment. It’s become a part of the everyday work culture and recommended by many.
These days, companies set their own rules and give employees a chance to work from home via remote connection. Companies such as Facebook have even preferred telecommuting indefinitely. Teleconferences and telecommuting technology, in general, have also evolved in a way that perfectly supports remote working.
Contrary to what many believed in the past, productivity has increased, and staff are devoted to their jobs. Telecommuting has many benefits that favour the company and has beaten the odds in how many believed remote working would turn out.
Employers thought workers would lose interest in work due to their environment and chose to do something more entertaining. It was proven false, though, when employees were given a routine to follow and a list of work they had to finish by the end of the day.
Benefits of Telecommuting
Remote work has various benefits for both the employee and the company.
Need less office space
Companies struggle to find suitable office space that would offer them all the necessary features and not consist of just one massive space.
Even the cost of electricity, water and internet are to be considered. Remote work could mean huge savings for the company. Using the mix of telecommuting and office work, a company could directly save on the office’s operating costs. Therefore this hybrid work model has become more effective than ever before.
More commitment
Telecommuting improves the quality of work. It makes employees work harder when making sure the work gets done and recognised by their seniors and management. That is why employees work better than before. Less stressed telecommuters are also grateful for the opportunity to spend more time at home with their loved ones as there is somewhat more work flexibly.
Remote work is only operable through emails, messenger platforms and virtual conferencing. Commitment can be challenging, but when done correctly, employees deliver better than before.
Employees become more active and participate in more online activities and events. To be able to participate in time in the activities also help to achieve work goals.
In the office, sometimes the way you look or your in-office relationships can decide what opportunities presented within the company. Remote work creates a more democratic work environment. Many studies are being done regarding telecommuting and its effectiveness, and they support the current trend of it being the preferred way to work.
Additionally, absenteeism is a big problem at many workplaces. Illness or seeing a doctor are inevitable events, but absences due to work commute can be reduced by hiring telecommuters.
The Main Points
Previously, many employers weren’t keen on hiring telecommuters. They were afraid employees would start falling short on work when not supervised or would be out of reach when needed. The past years have changed that, and the benefits have overcome the doubts. One of the most notable benefits of telecommuting is the increase in productivity.
It’s safe to say that remote work is the new trendy way to work, which many will actively promote. Companies are sure to give their workers a chance to work from home in the future, and as a result, get better results than before.
